JRU goes for semis vs Letran

MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal seeks to join unbeaten San Sebastian and defending three-peat champion San Beda in the Final Four while Letran tries to assure itself of a playoff for the last semis berth as they collide today in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Bombers shoot for their 12th win in 14 games for the third berth in the next round but the Knights will surely be going flat out for the victory to boost their own semis bid.

Gametime is at 4 p.m.

The Stags and the Lions took the first two semis spots with 13-0 and 13-2 slates, respectively, with the Bombers a cinch to clinch the third seat and the Knights tipped to complete the cast.

Only Arellano University has the outside chance to gatecrash the semis party although the Chiefs’ chances for a playoff for the last semis slot hinge on a sweep of their last four games and the Knights or the Bombers failing to win more than 11 games.

“Letran is always a good barometer on how we’ve progressed as a team, they play consistent basketball on both ends that it’s always a battle when we face them,” said JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia.

The Knights, on the other hand, remain wary of the Bombers.

“It’s always difficult playing Jose Rizal because they’re not only bigger, they also play really tough defense,” said Alas.

Jose Rizal edged Letran, 69-66, in the league opener last June 27 at the Big Dome with leading MVP candidate John Wilson coming out with 21 points, 11 rebounds and two steals.

Letran’s RJ Jazul and Rey Guevarra were held to 15 and nine points, respectively, but the Knights’ 1-2 punch is expected to step up this time.

In the other game, ousted Perpetual Help (3-10) and Mapua (1-12) face off at 2 p.m.